“That, truly, were a fate to be deprecated; though a man of sober judgment might urge that even such a fate is nothing compared to what awaits those who throw themselves, uncalled and unprepared, into the presence of their Maker. But is what you say true? Does such dishonor involve such consequences?”
“Unquestionably it does!”
“Stop a moment. Let us consider this. You say the man would be driven from society: tell me, by whom?”
“By public opinion.”
“And the same agent would brand him a coward and blast him with universal scorn?”
“Even so.”
“This public opinion, I take it, is the united opinion of that class whom you designate by the phrase all honorable men?”
“It is.”
“Very well. I wish now to ascertain the practical operation of public opinion. Supposing you were this dishonored individual: who, as the Scripture hath it, would cast the first stone at you? Who would take the initiative in banishing, branding and scorning you—would your father have done it?”
“No, certainly not.”